New Delhi: Indian Railways has launched a summer special tourist train, part of the 'Bharat Gaurav' scheme, offering a 14-day all-inclusive tour package. The itinerary, commencing April 10th, will traverse through Shimla, Kullu, and Manali, aiming to cater to the demand for mountain getaways during the warmer months. Beyond the popular Himachal destinations, the tour also includes stops in Agra, Delhi, and Amritsar. Bookings for this package are reportedly open.
The 'Bharat Gaurav' train is designed to showcase Indian culture and landmarks on its exterior, featuring depictions of monuments, sculptures, and dance forms. Internally, the train boasts fully air-conditioned accommodation, with options ranging from AC I, AC II, and AC III tier coaches. Specific configurations mentioned include trains with a mixed composition of Sleeper, AC III tier, and AC II tier coaches, as well as entirely AC trains comprising 11 AC III tier coaches. The overall capacity of these trains is stated to be around 600 to 700 seats, with a reported train capacity of 268 seats in one instance. For passenger comfort and security, the trains are equipped with 'infotainment systems', CCTV cameras, and a pantry car for on-board meal preparation.
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Additional Information Unclear
Details regarding the precise cost of this specific 14-day package were not uniformly provided across the available information. While one source indicates a package price of ₹38,500 for a 14-day trip to unspecified destinations, another unrelated listing for "Manali Shimla Packages" from MakeMyTrip shows prices starting at ₹14,228 for shorter duration trips. The operational details, including the exact route and specific halt durations at each destination, remain somewhat opaque in the disseminated reports.
Background Context
The 'Bharat Gaurav' scheme, introduced by Indian Railways, aims to promote domestic tourism by offering themed tourist circuits. These trains are operated by private players and state governments, under the purview of the Ministry of Railways. The scheme allows for diverse itineraries and train configurations, encouraging the development of specialized tourism products. Destinations like Shimla and Manali are perennial favorites for summer travel in India, attracting tourists seeking respite from the heat with their picturesque landscapes and cooler climes. The optimal season for visiting these Himachal Pradesh locales is generally considered to be between March and June.
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